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Who we are

The Office of the Information Commissioner was established in 1983 under the Access to Information Act Canada’s freedom of information legislation – to assist individuals and organizations who believe that federal institutions have not respected their rights under the Act.

In doing so, the Office must also ensure that the rights of the government organizations and any involved third parties are respected. Each Information Commissioner is appointed by and reports directly to Parliament. They provide arms-length oversight of the federal government’s access to information practices. The Commissioner encourages and assists federal institutions to adopt approaches to information-sharing that meet the objectives of the Act, and advocates for greater access to information in Canada.

Caroline Maynard was appointed as Information Commissioner of Canada effective March 1st, 2018.

The Commissioner’s work is supported by the staff of the Office, who:

carry out investigations and dispute-resolution efforts to resolve complaints

monitor federal institutions’ performances under the Act

represent the Commissioner in court cases and provide legal advice on investigations and legislative matters